First Look: Ducati Hypermotard 796

Sep 23, 2009

Ducati releases the first images of the Hypermotard 796, in advance of the international EICMA motorcycle show, Milan.

The Hypermotard family will expand for 2010 with the addition of the exciting new Hypermotard 796. Just as aggressively striking as the 1100, the new Hypermotard 796 features a lower seat height and brand new smooth and flexible engine to make it the perfect urban assault vehicle. Whether it's working the daily commute or attacking the open roads, the 796 will ride the common ground between manners and madness by mixing Ducati's unrivalled twin-cylinder power and sportbike heredity with the lightweight and minimalist supermotard concept.

The 796 weighs in at just 167kg (368lb), partly achieved by a lightweight engine, but also by continued chassis development that includes redesigned top and bottom fork clamps and an improved frame layout which eliminates almost all of the forged elements previously used with the 1100.

At 825mm (32.5in), the seat height of the 796 is a sure-footed 20mm (0.8in) lower than the 1100 and, when combined with the new engine's smooth power delivery, this Hypermotard inspires confidence however and wherever its ridden.

The completely new Ducati 796 engine, which conforms to Euro 3 regulations, produces 81hp (59.6kW) of power and 55.7lb-ft (7.7kgm) of torque with the smooth and economic rideability expected from all Desmodue L-Twins.

The engine is equipped with an APTC 'wet' clutch to give a 'slipper' type action that prevents destabilization of the rear-end during aggressive down-shifting and also gives the extra benefit of a super-light feel at the lever, a great advantage in stop-start city traffic or during longer journeys.

The Hypermotard 796 will be available at authorized Ducati showrooms beginning in December 2009. MSRP for the Hypermotard 796 will be $9,995, joining the Monster 696 in Ducati's sub- $10,000 price bracket - a bargain for the handmade Italian motorcycle. The first public showing of the Hypermotard 796 will be at Milan's EICMA international motorcycle show.

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